When it comes to choosing a bed, size matters—especially for those seeking maximum space for comfort, co-sleeping, or accommodating a growing family. The bedding industry has evolved beyond standard twin and queen sizes, introducing oversized mattresses that cater to unique needs. From the colossal Alaskan King to the more familiar California King, this article ranks the largest bed sizes available, exploring their dimensions, benefits, and suitability for different households. Is the Alaskan King truly the king of beds? Let’s dive into the details.

1. Alaskan King: The Ultimate in Size and Luxury

Dimensions: 108 x 108 inches (9 x 9 feet)
Surface Area: 11,664 square inches
Best For: Large families, co-sleeping, pet owners, luxury seekers

Topping the list is the Alaskan King, the largest commercially available mattress. Measuring a massive 9 feet by 9 feet, it offers an expansive square surface that dwarfs all other bed sizes. Its 11,664 square inches provide enough room for two adults, multiple children, or even large pets to sleep comfortably without feeling cramped. For context, it’s nearly twice the size of a standard King bed (6,080 square inches).

The Alaskan King is a favorite for families practicing co-sleeping, where parents share their bed with children to foster bonding or ease nighttime anxieties. As one reviewer noted, “With five kids that often frequent our bed at night, it affords us plenty of space for us all to get a good night’s rest.” Its size also makes it ideal for pet owners—45% of dog owners and 62% of cat owners in the U.S. sleep with their pets, and the Alaskan King ensures everyone has space to stretch out.

Beyond sleeping, the Alaskan King doubles as a family hub for activities like movie nights or storytime. However, its size comes with challenges: it requires a room at least 15x15 feet, and bedding can be hard to find, though retailers like alaskankingbeds.com offer custom sheets. Priced between $3,000 and $8,000, it’s a significant investment, but its durability—often backed by a 10-year warranty—and luxurious feel make it a top contender for those prioritizing space.

Pros: Unmatched space, ideal for co-sleeping, luxurious, durable.
Cons: High cost, requires large room, limited bedding availability.

2. Wyoming King: A Close Contender

Dimensions: 84 x 84 inches (7 x 7 feet)
Surface Area: 7,056 square inches
Best For: Couples, small families, pet owners

The Wyoming King comes in second, offering a generous 7x7-foot square footprint. With 7,056 square inches, it’s significantly larger than a standard King but more manageable than the Alaskan King. Its square shape provides ample width and length, making it suitable for couples who want extra space or small families with one or two children.

The Wyoming King is a great middle ground for those who find the Alaskan King too large or costly. It fits more easily into standard bedrooms (recommended room size: 12x12 feet) and is easier to source bedding for, though custom sheets are still often required. Manufacturers like BigBeds.com offer Wyoming King mattresses in hybrid or memory foam options, with features like cooling gel layers for temperature regulation.

This bed size shines for couples with differing sleep preferences, as some models allow dual firmness levels. It’s also pet-friendly, accommodating a dog or two without sacrificing human sleep space. Prices typically range from $2,000 to $5,000, making it more affordable than the Alaskan King but still a premium choice.

Pros: Spacious yet more manageable, versatile for couples and small families, pet-friendly.
Cons: Custom bedding needed, still requires a larger-than-average room.

3. Texas King: Long and Spacious

Dimensions: 80 x 98 inches
Surface Area: 7,840 square inches
Best For: Tall individuals, couples, small families

The Texas King ranks third, with a rectangular shape measuring 80 inches wide and 98 inches long. Its 7,840 square inches make it larger than a standard King but slightly smaller than the Wyoming King in total area. The extra length is a boon for tall sleepers—those over 6’5”—who often find their feet dangling off standard beds like the California King (84 inches long).

The Texas King is ideal for couples who prioritize length over width or for families with one child or pet sharing the bed. Its rectangular design fits better in narrower rooms compared to the square Wyoming or Alaskan King, requiring a minimum room size of about 12x14 feet. Retailers like MattressInsider.com offer Texas King mattresses with modular designs for easier delivery, addressing the logistical challenges of oversized beds.

Bedding for the Texas King can be sourced from specialty retailers, though options are more limited than for standard sizes. Prices range from $2,500 to $6,000, depending on materials like latex or hybrid constructions.

Pros: Extra length for tall sleepers, fits narrower rooms, good for small families.
Cons: Custom bedding required, less width than Wyoming or Alaskan King.

4. California King: The Standard Oversized Option

Dimensions: 72 x 84 inches
Surface Area: 6,048 square inches
Best For: Couples, tall individuals, standard large bedrooms

The California King is the largest widely available standard mattress size, measuring 72 inches wide by 84 inches long. With 6,048 square inches, it’s significantly smaller than the Alaskan, Wyoming, or Texas King but remains a popular choice for couples seeking more space than a standard King (76 x 80 inches). Its long, narrow design makes it ideal for taller individuals or those with smaller bedrooms that can’t accommodate the square footprint of an Alaskan or Wyoming King.

The California King is widely available from major retailers like Nolah or Tempur-Pedic, with a variety of materials, including memory foam, hybrid, and innerspring. Its popularity means bedding is easy to find, and prices are more affordable, ranging from $1,000 to $4,000. It’s a practical choice for couples or single sleepers who want extra legroom without the logistical challenges of oversized custom beds.

However, the California King may feel cramped for families with multiple children or large pets. Motion transfer can also be an issue in smaller beds, though hybrid models with pocketed coils help mitigate this.

Pros: Widely available, affordable, fits standard bedrooms, good for tall sleepers.
Cons: Limited space for families, less width than other oversized options.

5. Standard King: The Baseline for Large Beds

Dimensions: 76 x 80 inches
Surface Area: 6,080 square inches
Best For: Couples, single sleepers, standard bedrooms

The standard King, also known as an Eastern King, measures 76 inches wide by 80 inches long, offering 6,080 square inches of sleeping space. It’s slightly wider but shorter than the California King, making it better for couples who prioritize width over length. It’s a common choice for master bedrooms, fitting comfortably in rooms as small as 10x12 feet.

King-size mattresses are widely available in all materials and price points, from budget-friendly options under $1,000 to luxury models exceeding $3,000. Bedding is abundant, and the size suits couples or individuals with one pet or child. However, it’s less ideal for larger families or co-sleeping arrangements, as the space can feel restrictive compared to oversized options.

Pros: Widely available, affordable, fits most bedrooms, good for couples.
Cons: Too small for large families, limited length for tall sleepers.

Why the Alaskan King Reigns Supreme

The Alaskan King’s massive size, luxurious comfort, and versatility make it the top choice for those who can accommodate its dimensions and cost. Its 11,664 square inches dwarf the Wyoming King (7,056 square inches), Texas King (7,840 square inches), California King (6,048 square inches), and standard King (6,080 square inches), offering unparalleled space for families, pets, or sprawling sleepers. Manufacturers like Von Viva and Big Mattress Co. enhance its appeal with features like cooling technology, dual firmness options, and modular designs for easier delivery.

However, the Alaskan King isn’t for everyone. Its high cost and large footprint make it impractical for smaller homes or budgets. The Wyoming and Texas Kings offer excellent alternatives for those seeking oversized comfort without the extreme size, while the California King and standard King cater to more conventional needs.

Practical Considerations for Oversized Beds

Choosing a large bed involves more than just picking the biggest size. Room dimensions, doorway sizes, and delivery logistics are critical. For example, an Alaskan King requires a room of at least 15x15 feet, while a California King fits in a 10x12-foot space. Custom bedding for oversized beds can also be costly, though retailers like BigBeds.com and MattressInsider.com simplify the process with tailored options.

Budget is another factor. Alaskan and Wyoming Kings are premium investments, while California and standard Kings are more accessible. Financing plans and trial periods, like the 100-night trial from Big Mattress Co., can ease the financial burden.

Conclusion: The Right Size for Your Needs

The Alaskan King tops the list for its unmatched size and family-friendly design, making it ideal for co-sleeping, pet owners, or those seeking a luxurious sleep experience. However, the Wyoming King, Texas King, California King, and standard King each have their place, depending on room size, budget, and sleep needs. By weighing factors like space, cost, and lifestyle, you can find the perfect bed to transform your sleep environment.